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How to target your CV

Unless there’s a specific application form to complete, your CV is going to be your only chance to explain to a recruiter why you’re perfect for the role they’re advertising.

That means your CV has to be amazing if you want to stand out from the crowd.

You’ve no doubt heard people say before that you need to target your CV for each specific role that you apply for, rather than sending the same generic copy out to every potential employer. How though, do you do that?

Well, here are our top tips to get you started.

#1 – Your Personal Statement

We know it’s one of the hardest parts of a CV to write, but your personal statement is a great opportunity to explain what you’re about.

If you think of this section as a way of showing your motivations, it should be slightly easier to write. For each application explain, briefly, why you want the job you’re applying for. Make it clear why now is the best time in your career for making the change, and outline what your future aspirations are, and how this employer could help you achieve them.

#2 – Skills

Many people list their skills once, and never look back at this section again. However, you need to think of this section as similar to keywords, and whatever you include should be what’s asked for in the job description (as long as you do actually hold those skills).

Look at what they have asked for, and think about what other skills might be useful to help you succeed in this role, and include them too.

#3 – Career history

Think again about the skills and the requirements for the role you’re applying for, and make sure you feature the same terminology in your CV where possible. If you have done similar roles before, highlight the elements of the job that are the same, and showcase duties you have done in the past that are relevant.

If you haven’t done anything similar before, instead look at the transferable skills you have that might be an asset in the role you want.

#4 – Achievements

Adding any achievements within specific jobs you’ve done in the past is a great way to positively showcase what you are capable of. Where possible use statistics and figures to back up your claims, and show how this relates to the role you want.

#5 – Qualifications

Draw attention to any qualifications, or courses you have had that meet the requirements of the specific position.

If you don’t have much in the way of formal qualifications, highlight any areas of interest you have, or additional learning you have done on your own time that would make you able to fulfil the role.

Remember, here at Time Saving Heroes we offer CV and Cover Letter writing services, as well as full reviews of your current CV so you can make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Give us a call on 0161 883 2024, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or just drop us an email to hello@timesavingheroes.co.uk